Young Sheffield United pair depart Bramall Lane

The Northern Ireland under-21 international’s move back to his homeland brings to an end a six-year association with United having joined the club as a 15-year-old from Maiden City Academy in Derry.

Parkhouse, who had spent the first half of this season on loan at National League outfit Hartlepool United, failed to make a senior appearance for the club although he was named on the Blades' bench for an EFL Cup tie against Hull City in 2018.

The 21-year-old is a familiar face at Derry and spent the 2019 season on loan with the Candystripes, scoring 11 goals during a successful spell with the club.

Derry boss Declan Devine confirmed last week that talks were at an advanced stage and says he is delighted to complete Parkhouse’s signing on a free transfer.

“Everybody at this football club knows what ‘Parky’ brings to the team,” he said.

"He has a real energy and tenacity in his approach to the game. He is well got by the players already here and it will be the same with new players coming in.”

“It was clear in our discussions with him that he wants to strive to get better and that is something we intend to do as a whole club.”

“This is where David wants to play his football. He loves the club and we love having him here.”

Meanwhile, 21-year-old winger Stephen Mallon is also bound for the League of Ireland having joined Dublin-based Bohemians on a free transfer.

Mallon, who also spent more than six years with the Blades and has represented Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, spent the 2020 season on loan at Derry.

Bohs manager Keith Long said: “In Stephen, we have an exciting winger who will give us options on both wings – be it on his natural side on the left or as a reverse winger on the right.

“He is young, hungry to prove himself, and this is a big season for him. He knows the league having been on loan at Derry last season and I believe he will prove to be a key signing for us.”